Hearthwise

Some of you know that I haven't been crafting spindles lately. I'm not going to offer any excuse but if you would accept an explanation, here goes. I have had a few health problems lately and haven't had turning wood that close to my heart. And, truth be known, I'd rather not make the things than turn myself into a factory just turning out "stuff" without caring. A few of you have even asked for spindles that have never been sent - I apologize. I am hoping that, after this surgery, I will find my heart in the wood again. This world definitely needs more beauty; I want to create some of that beauty so that all of you can create a whole lot more.

Hey folks, Facebook is currently working so I'll use this opportunity to announce a sale; any spindle, just tell me the type, for $25 plus shipping of $5 in the US. But in order to make certain I get your order pleaqse email me telling me what types of spindles and how many, at [email protected]. We have already begun packing to move and are rapidly running out of space in a 6x12 trailer so am offering these to reduce space. Thanks.

Yes, I am still alive. It has been VERY quiet around here lately due to health and other issues but I would like to revitalize Hearethwise. In order to do that I will tell you about my plans. As you all know by now, Vykki and I will be moving to the West Coast in roughly eight months. I don't want to take up- space carrying spindles and such so I am going to have a sale. While I haven't gotten my application in to Garden State yet (health, again), I do plan to be there and would like to sell out of whatever doesn't go between now and then. If you are interested in a Hearthwise spindle of any type let me know. I think that, for now, the price will be thirty-five dollars plus shipping.

Has anyone who ordered a spindle sight unseen been unhappy with the spindle they received?

Did you know that most of the Ben & Jerry's ice cream you saw in Hollywood movies up until about 2005 was actually mady by Edy's Ice Cream?

Well Vykki is leaving for two weeks in Vermont on Tuesday morning so if I can find my camera I will get some otos and post them here. Of course my buddy Glenn called to tell me that next week is muck out week in his shop. Oh well, we'll see what I can get done.

Friends (and if you have stuck with me this long you must be a true friend) I have been goofing off. I haven't been active at Hearthwise for months, either in the shop or online. I can blame it on the new medication for PTSD or I can admit to being lazy, it doesn't matter, I have let all of you down. As of today l work to correct this situation. I ask that all of you get on my caseif I start to let things slide.

Finally doing my taxes and realized that I am going to have to cheat like crazy. I have to inflate my sales by over $2,000 so that I can show a profit (or not declare that much in expenses). You really need to show a profit at least once in three years or you lose your business status and become a hobby. Wish me luck.

I am going to be very honest with all of you. As much as I regret to say it I have no idea when I'm going back into the shop. I don't know what's going on inside me but I seem to have lost the drive to craft beautiful spindles, or anything else for that matter.

Debbie, I'll try to get you spindle out very soon.

Hang in there folks, it may be gettin warmer even though they are talking about another snow the middle of next week. As it gets to be Spring (for real) I'm hoping my energy and enthusiasm pick up again. I love you all and, once again, thank you for your support.

Community is a verb - pass it on.

Since I will be atteding so few festivals this year, and those are close by, would any of my longer term friends be interested in taking spindles on consignment of 60 or 90 days and selling them at your local events? Please respond directly here.

It has been far too quiet here and that is my fault. In order to wake things up let me ask who wants a FREE spindle. Respond directly to this and I will pick one name. I'll even throw in free shipping.

I really want warmer weather to show up soon so that I can get back into the shop and craft more spindles.

I have the most loving, caring, supportive friends in the elecronic universe. Thank you.

Hearthwise WILL be at the Garden State Sheep and Fiber Festival and the North Jersey Fiber Festival.

Whatever the opposite of cabin fever is, I have it.

I know absolutely none of you care for chocolate but just in case you might have a friend who does I have found something they may like. Just go to www.nochewingallowed.com.

For those of you in the deep South, I have just sent 20 spindles off to Gwynne Platz who will be carrying them at a number of shows in Alabad Mississippi.

Christine Coghill, Elizabeth Miller, your spindles are finally in the mail.

When ordering spindles please remember to add the shipping charges: US = $6, Canada = $8, Europe = $12, Australia & NZ = $15.

Hearthwise is going to change it's business model.
I was given a copy of the Paul Newman cookbook and was so impressed by what I read that I have decided to adopt the same business model as Newman's Own. All net profits will be given to charities. Yes, there is a but. I can't do this until we move and get our new home. After than I plan to adopt the empty bank account at the beginning of the year model except that I will make certain that there is $100 in the account at the beginning of the year and will give to charity anything over $100 at the end of the year (most banks will not allow you to reduce your balance to $0). This probably won't start until sometime around the beginning of 2016 but that is the goal I am working towards. I hope you don't mind. I am going to do this because it is a good thing and because I am now receiving partial disability from the VA and we hope that Vykki will be able to find a good job after we move. Your good thoughts and energy will be appreciated.

OK, as of today, all spindles that are sold sight unseen are back to $40 plus shipping and time that includes Shroomspindles. Just tell me what style.

I am going to name my next car "Ma" and I am going to drive it to Texas. Why, you ask? The answer is quite simple.
That way my car, Ma, will carry me to (Fort) Bliss.
Don't you just love puns?!

Second things for today, does anyone know anything first hand about pulmonary sclerosis/pulmonary fibrosis? I'm looking for first hand experience only here friends.

Two things today and will post them separately. First, Vykki went to pick up perscriptions last night, first time without old health insurance. The pharmacy was very happy to supply them - at $1,500. Have to find another way. I guess that this means I will have to have another "purchase them sight unseen" sale.

I want to apologize to all of you for seeming so lazy lately. Saw the doctor Thursday and he thought that my lethargy was a side effect of my new PTSD meds. He thought that once my dosage was up to a higher level and my body adjusted that it would pass. I certainly hope so. I just have a hard time walking out the door. The weather lately hasn't helped much either.

After 17 years of applying, the VA has finally decided to grant me 90% service connected disability (heart condition & PTSD). With Vykki out of work this has come as a real blessing. I'm getting several overdue packages in the mail, hopefully tomorrow. And I do have a special piece for Ann McNitt. For those of you down south (really down), Gwynne Platz will be carrying Hearthwise spindles at a couple of festivals in Alabama - contact here for more information (she has a FB page). I won't be going into the shop for a while but still have inventory if you are interested. All of you take care and have a joyous and prosperous 2014.

I have the most loving, caring, wonderful friends in the entire world. I don't know what I have done to earn the support of you folks. Thank you, thank you so very much.

Friends, I need to go on hiatus for a while and get a few things straightened out in my head. Don't worry, I'll be back.

Cecilia Lindsten, Pam McNitt, Pat Irish, your packages will go out next week, didn't want them to get lost in the Christmas rush.

I will survive, at least according to the Pulmonary Specialist. Definitely have asthma (knew that), definitely have sarcoidosis (knew that) have some calcified nodules rattling around in my lungs (didn't know that). Will start a new asthma medication as soon at it arrives.

Wish me well, another trip to the Philly VA hospital on Monday. Supposedly they will tell me what is right and what is wrong with me.

This message is poster specifically for bids, in the form of comments, for the Spalted Maple Lady spindle. The current high bid is $45, made by Pat Irish. And remember, 25% of the price goes to charity and I pay the shipping for you.